Defining a Leading Lady

There's a new definition of a "Leading Lady."  It's about more than being the wife of a powerful man or the star of a blockbuster movie. 

For the past several years, 107.9 the Link has brought new life to those words.  What started as a simple idea to recognize a few stellar women has turned into the best kind of campaign.  With the help of Leigh Brown from Remax Signature Properties and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, we are able to tell the stories of 30 courageous and inspirational women.  Their dedication changes lives and motivates others to do the same.  Nominated by friends, family or co-workers they are exceptional leaders.

I wish you could have been at the Palmer Building tonight.  You'd have left feeling hopeful... feeling like you'd been a part of something very special.  We handed out awards and gave a $5,000 check to our leading lady of the year, Elizabeth Woods.  Elizabeth lost her husband in the war in Afghanistan.  Now she reaches out to other young widows with her organization Soul Widows.

All of the nominees were so deserving of recognition.  It's been my honor to learn from them each week.  I also stand in awe of the co-workers who do ALL of the heavy lifting to make the program possible.  If you missed the event, here's a peek at what happened on stage ...
My mom Wheezy, in United Methodist Woman mode, delivering the invocation
Our VP Rick giving the shortest speech of all time

Sheri dazzling the crowd with a heartfelt, off-the-cuff address
Matt's comedic awards announcements along with an amazing tribute
Sponsors like the Y's Molly Thompson and Leigh Brown from Remax, sounding more like Leading Ladies
    than advertisers
Delicious dinner from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Beautiful floral arrangements from Flowers of Charlotte
Glasses filled with Cambria Wine

and behind the scenes..

Frank, Bob, Angela, Piper and a host of part-timers working their bottom's off to make sure the video, audio, set, check-in and clean-up went off without a hitch. 
From Diane Pugh, the sales star who found our fabulous sponsors, to our promotions team lead by Matt D., Brad and Jennifer... there are people in every department who nurtured the campaign.

I was filled with gratitude as I watched the Leading Ladies program come to an end for 2010.  The interviews we aired each week, thoughtfully edited by Joe McLane, often brought me to tears and inspired me to strive for the extraordinary.  I look forward to doing it all over again next year. 

The Best Freebies!

I found a new site that I luv.  Kiplinger.com.  Each year they list the top freebies.  I'm diggin' this year's line-up.

1 . FREE TECH SUPPORT

If you're a member of Sam's Club or Costco, you can get free tech support -- even if you didn't buy your computer from them.


Or, for PC problems, anyone can head to TechGuy.org or 5starsupport.com for free help. You can search the forums for your computer's particular ailment or post a question to receive a timely response from the sites' groups of geek volunteers. And don't forget to try the manufacturer's Web site. Many post user manuals and FAQs to help you solve your dilemma.


2 . FREE COMPUTER PROTECTION

Is your computer vulnerable? You can download malware-protection services available free online.

A PC Magazine Editor picks Panda Cloud Antivirus. Or try Microsoft's Security Essentials, which PCWorld.com says renders subscription antivirus services unnecessary.  Time Warner offers computer protection as well.  It's included when you get roadrunner. 


3 . FREE PORTFOLIO CHECKUP

Is your portfolio as diversified as you think it is? You needn't pay a financial planner to evaluate your holdings. Simply use Morningstar.com's Instant X-Ray tool to check for balance among stock sectors, investment styles, geographic regions and more.


Then, check out Kiplinger.com's 25 favorite funds, 22 model portfolios or Mutual Fund Finder to establish the mix of investments that's right for you.


4 . FREE FOREIGN-LANGUAGE LESSONS

Voulez-vous parlez Francais?  Would you like to speak French... or learn another language? Put away your wallet, and hop on your computer.  At FSI-language-courses.org, you can access courses developed by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute in 41 languages.

At Openculture.com/freelanguagelessons, you'll find a list of several free language lessons that you can download to your MP3 player. Or go to MangoLanguages.com to see whether your public library grants you free access to its courses in 22 foreign languages and 14 courses in English as a second language.



5. FREE GROCERIES

You've got to buy groceries anyway, so why not shopt at Lowes Foods... weekly specials offer you Fresh Rewards Cash... use the cash sometime in the future on anything in the store

for more freebies click here

Bargain Hunters Crash the Site

Lowe's Home Improvement's Black Friday sneak peek was a little too successful.  Bargain hunters, using coupon codes for up to 90% off, crashed the company's website early this morning.  Be patient shoppers, the saving continues through the weekend.  Click here for more info!

Smarter than Me

My car and my computer.   No idea about what it takes to fix either when they act up.  Mechanics and IT pros are obviously much smarter than me.  So how do you know when you are getting ripped off when you need repair? Repairpal.com is a website that keeps mechanics honest.  All the site needs is your zip code and a few stats about your car... make, model andyear.  You get a price range for what it should cost fo fix dozens of different things that could go wrong. 

Now if I can only find a way to understand my computer problems....

Making Love to My Feet

Cute meets comfy!  I put on my new Alegria boots about 5 minutes after I got them.  My feet were finally pleased.  On days when I'm not forced to torture my feet in painful 4" contraptions, I demand a shoe that pampers from toe to heel.  This is it!  I wanted something that felt as good as my Crocs, but would be more durable and look a lot more fashionable.  I can shop all day in  these! 

FYI...   Alegria is opening up a new store at Stonecrest in Charlotte. 

Trick-or-Treaters My Mom Can't Stand

My mom, Wheezy,  has always been a stickler for manners.  You could probably say the same for most teachers, past or present.  When it comes to Halloween, she's got some strong ideas about what is NOT acceptable on Beggars' Night.  Here are just a few:

SCREAMERS! Do not force your sobbing child to ring doorbells. Trick or Treat is supposed to be fun. Call it a night and take your crying kid home. Take pride in the fact that you are raising a child who hates going up to unfamiliar homes and asking strangers for candy! That's something we hope our kids DON'T DO the other 364 days a year.


THUGS! If you've been causing trouble in the neighborhood keep your behind at home. You play tricks? YOU GET NO TREATS!

2 TIMERS! Teach your kids that its rude to double back around the neighbood for seconds!

GRANDPAS! Do you know the difference between a trick-or-treater and a solicitor? A voter registration card! If you are old enough to vote on Tuesday, then you are old enough to buy your own dang candy! No solicitors!

PROSTITOTS! Just because they make a sexy nurse costume in your child's size doesn't mean you have to buy it! Parents, please say, "NO WAY" to the dirty Dorothy of Oz costumes. Refuse to pay your hard-earned money to turn your daughter into the street-walker version of Strawberry shortcake!


That adorable or kooky costume can pay off for the whole family!  Send your Halloween pictures to the Matt and Ramona Kids Costume Contest at www.mattandramona.com

Cheap Costumes

A cow, a Care Bear, a lobster, a ladybug, a monkey and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.  Those were just a few of the costumes I spotted last weekend at the Lake Wylie Goodwill store.  You don't have to pay a fortune to dress the family for one night of Halloween fun! 

New Radio Job

Its a whole new radio world for us.  Lots of you have noticed and I'm thankful that you have.  It means we've done something right on "The Matt and Ramona Show" and "The Satisfied Life."  You could say that we were radio pioneers.  Our old boss, Rick Jackson, was the king of what we called "Personality AC."   The format was heavy on conversation with just a tad of the most non-offensive music known to mankind.  Our station was a talk/music hybrid and though we haven't had even one sexting scandal, its time to retire the hybrid brand.  We're making the necessary adjustments to satisfy  a new ratings system and learning a whole new job while we're doing it. 

Practically every radio pro in the country has, is or will be getting an earfiul about the effects of the new system from listeners and/or management.   Under the old ratings system, The Matt and Ramona Show and The Satisfied Life consistently outperformed the radio station as a whole in key demographics (she said while patting herself, Matt, Bandy, Doc, Wheezy, Pete, Pam and Sharon on the back).  Thanks to some musical tweaks and re-clocking (a term I made up to explain changes to the clock that tells us when to talk, play commercials or station IDs)  The M&R Show is reclaiming a top spot under the new system.  In fact, I think the mental editing we now have to do actually suits Mattman's ADD.   

More music simply wasn't the answer on "The Satisfied Life,"  so we decided to streamline the show and keenly focus on the three I's:  issues, information and inspiration.  TSL moved from an 8:00 am start to 7:00 am on Sunday mornings. Lowes Foods has graciously supported the changes.  Now we're able to continue to provide faith-based, quality programming on a secular Adult Contemporary FM station (that's pretty remarkable in the industry just in case you missed the second pat on the back for the TSL gang).

I must admit, the e-mails to the boss and Facebook comments demanding more Matt and Ramona and less music do wonders for the ego.  However, in the current radio environment, that's just not a smart thing to do.  Mattman put it best, "isn't a little 'Matt and Ramona' better than none at all?" (I chose to leave off his "you freaks" at the end)  We're all still dedicated to providing engaging topics... and we still want you to take us along for the ride.

Need a little Matt and Ramona fix?  Yearning for a Satisfied Life?  We really hope so! 

Listen anytime or anywhere with our mobile apps for your iPhone, iPod Touch or BlackBerry or Download the podcast.

The Bitches Won't Be Able to Resist Him

Not sure what I'll be wearing and my mom, Wheezy, doesn't have her outfit picked out yet, but my dog is

all set for his big night out at the Westin.  It'll be his second black tie event.  Last year he attended the Ties and Tails Gala in a tasteful red Coach collar.  Don't judge me!  I got a great deal on it at the Gaffney Coach Outlet. 

While checking out the pet section at Ross Dress For Less, I found the perfect Tuxedo Shirt a few months ago.  It was just $4.99.  The bitches won't be able to resist my hot poodle!  The gala raises money for the Humane Society of Charlotte and its coming up on Saturday, October 23rd.  I'm hosting along with one of the city's most dapper dog owners, Blair Miller from Channel 9.  Tix are on sale now! 





Rough Season

My Godson, AJ, was so proud to tell me that he’d be playing for the Panthers this year. Not the NFL team, the cute little kid version of the team. He knows that Gramma Lou (my mom, Wheezy) and I both cheer for Carolina.


Well, despite his toughest, fastest efforts, like the NFL team, the kiddie Panthers are having a REALLY rough season.

Me: Hi AJ, how is football?

AJ: Not so good, we’re O-and-5

Me: Ummm… well…. are you doing your best?

AJ: Yes, but we still don’t win.

Me: Ummm… do you still have fun playing football?

AJ: Yes, but we just never win.

Me: Okay, put your sister on the phone

When I called yesterday, I asked his mom, “should I even bring up football?” She replied with the word, “massacre.” Poor little guy. Just not much to say when a kid’s team really, really stinks. Would it be poor sportsmanship to encourage him to become a free agent mid season?

Cheese Alternative?

Can this possibly taste good?  I'll try it.  After all, I've finally developed a taste for vanilla soy milk in my cereal.  My mom's lactose intolerance keeps getting worse, but we really miss eating cheese.  Borden's lactose free American cheese slices are pretty good, but we haven't found a cheddar-like product we like yet.  Not sure I want to trust a cheese product that's claim to fame is, "it melts."  Shouldn't we expect a cheese product to melt?

The New Crib

Fixing up the house is my new obsession. They should just give me a parking space at Lowes.

Super Furniture Deal

Need a couch? Just spotted this olive green couch and chair at the Freedom Drive Goodwill Store. No signs of wear. Couch is $100 chair is $50!

THE RING

Finally Did It

First it was the furniture we shared, then the house we picked out together, now finally the ring!  I've been promising myself a trip to Diamonds Direct Southpark to have my old wedding ring redesigned.  My reasons for keeping it this long were equal parts sentimental and financial.  I'd sold most of the other jewelry my ex purchased for me, but the engagement ring and diamond ring wrap were the only pieces that had any real value. 

It didn't feel right to wear them yet keeping them made it seem like I was holding onto the past.  I came across them while packing my house.  Though I had a million other things to do to get ready for the move, I decided it was finally time to take action on the last reminder of the "til divorce do us part" chapter of my life.

The result? A beautiful ring that celebrates the twists, turns, trials and triumphs I've faced so far.  It represents how far I've come and how far I can go.  I'm thankful for it and for the lessons I learned during my marriage.  I'm even thankful for my ex and grateful for the courage and support that helped me move on.

I just can't stop staring at the ring... or thinking about the possibilities.  We're not bound by what we used to have or who we used to be.  There is life beyond loss and I'm here to tell you it can SPARKLE!!!!!!

Do As I Say

Funny how I find myself giving advice that I should be taking.  "Get some rest."  "Don't worry."  "Take some time for yourself." 
Sometimes listening to ourselves is the best thing we can do. 

Coincidence? No Way!

Had a NASTY encounter with a dude who works at the front desk of the extended stay hotel my mom, dog and I are living in until we get another house.  Frankly, I should've moved to another suite, but after packing the house and lugging our must-have junk here, my back is hurting more than my pride (only Jesus and a tiny fear of a lawsuit are keeping me from naming the place).  The luxury stay I was expecting has been drenched in frustration (mine) and fear (mom's).  Don't get me wrong, I know there are FAR worse places we could be.  Heck, we've LIVED in worse places, but still we're feeling very unsettled. 

I went to church, just excited to get away from the room.  They aren't holding us hostage, but we've been informed (in this "pet-friendly" establishment) that the dog barks when we aren't around and that's not acceptable.  Most restaurants, stores and attractions simply aren't dog friendly and its been waaaay too hot to just hang at the park, so...  I was REALLY looking forward to church.  As soon as I looked at the bulletin and found out the pastor was out the disappointment hit.  I sighed and thought, "Oh no!  We've got a guest minister!  She probably won't be as good as the pastor!"  Well, Dr. Cassandra Jones, I publicly apologize for my misguided thoughts.  You blew me away!  Her sermon was all about going from "worry to worship" and it focused on the time she spent living in an extended stay hotel.  Her lengthy stay felt like exile, until she realized her tiny room was her sanctuary.  It was a place where her faith was tested and blossomed.  If ever there was a message meant for ME this was it. Coincidence?  NO WAY!

It's day 10 of the Suite Life of Mona and Wheezy.  Instead of worrying about closing on the new home, coordinating the move into the new home, fixing up the new home...   I'm going to spend a little time in prayer for the folks in this city and around the world who can only dream of staying in a place like this.  I'm going to talk to my pals at A Child's Place to find out what the homeless kids still need for the upcoming school year. and I'm going to try to fall asleep before Wheezy so that I'll be in la-la land before she starts snoring.

In Good Time

I'd read somewhere that if you write down 9 things you want to happen in your life every single day for 30 days, you'll notice those things start to happen.  For about 60 days I wrote, "sell my house for profit."  Well, after 2 years on the market my house did sell, but at a major loss. 

While relieved I was unloading a huge financial burden, I wasn't exactly thrilled at first when people congratulated me on finally finding a buyer.  Taking a big check to closing to pay off the banks and realtor just didn't seem like much of a victory until I started signing my name, not my current name, my old married name.

I haven't used that name in 6 years.  When I purchased the South Carolina home I was a few weeks away from finalizing my divorce.  It dawned on me that the house was the last thing in my life that somehow tied me to my ex.  We'd picked out the house together, bickered over whether we should have a basement....  I moved into it counting the days until I could sell it. 

When the economy took a nose dive and selling the house turned into the impossible dream, I prayed God would help me get my money out of that property.  That wasn't the plan and silly me, that's not how God works.  If the house had sold two years ago, my Indianapolis property issues would still be haunting me.  If it sold two years ago I wouldn't be getting such an amazingly low interest rate (thank you Dover Mortgage).  I would've wound up paying big bucks for a builder to help me make some of the same mistakes I'd made before.  Now everything I thought I lost in getting rid of the mega-house, I'm gaining in the cute little Cape Cod I'm buying in North Carolina. 

Thanks God for giving me time to learn a few more lessons. 

A few days to play and pray at Wrightsville Beach

A Passion for Downsizing

The more room you have the more junk you have.  I'm downsizing from what my family calls a mc-mansion to a townhome.  I can't and don't even want to take all my stuff with me, but there is no way I'm tossing a single thing in the trash.  I'm doing my best to find good homes for everything in my old home.

Books... certain titles are being reserved for friends who I know will appreciate them.  Just gave my talk show host buddy, Pete Kaliner, my copy of "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do:  The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in Our Free Country."  I haven't used it as a reference since 1996.   I'm sending a few of my grandfather's books to my cousin, Cory, a voracious reader and the up-and-coming family philosopher.  The rest of the books are going to Goodwill.  Goodwill will also be getting CDs and cassettes from the dozens of one hit wonders I've met in radio. 

Business Clothes... Dress for Success.  If I'm ever a size 8 or 18 again, I'm sure they'll be out of style anyway.  Every good garment deserves to be STYLED before it becomes outdated.  I'm a clothes-aholic and downsizing from two big closets to one small one is probably the toughest task of all.  Donating those suits and dresses to women looking for jobs... well, that's just the right thing to do.

Dressy and Casual Clothes... Great Things.  Its a resale store run by my church for an in the Lincoln Heights community.  Its the first business opened in Lincoln Heights within the last 10 years and provides a unique shopping experience within walking distance of neighborhood residents.

Furniture and Housewares...  Crisis Assistance Ministry.  When families lose everything, this ministry lets them "shop" at their free store for clothing and anything you might need to set up a household.

Elephants... my elephant collection (not the entire herd, just a few dozen) will be scattered among sorority sisters.  I already know which ones they've been coveting!


I know I'm not the only one downsizing and this isn't the easiest way to do it.  It just feels like the most thoughtful way to do it.  It also helps to relieve the stress of moving by taking the focus away from the paperwork and packing and putting it on the positive....  recycling, re-gifting and re-energizing for my next phase.